A High‐Current‐Tolerant Multimetallic Phosphide Electrode for Alkaline Water Electrolysis Toward Industrial Conditions

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Authors: Yang Li, Chunling Lu, Biao Wang, Dongchao Qiu, Bingbing Niu, Tao Feng
Cited by: 1
References: 32

Abstract

ABSTRACT The development of electrocatalysts that maintain high efficiency and durability at industrial current densities remains a pivotal challenge for alkaline water electrolysis. Here, we present a high‐performance phosphide‐modified multimetallic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst, NiFe 0.33 RuO x @P, with high‐current‐tolerant and low noble‐metal content. In this catalyst, Ni and Fe mainly exist as phosphide‐derived species with partial surface oxidation, while Ru is predominantly present as RuP‐like active domains embedded in the multimetallic matrix. The electrolyzer with a Ni foam anode and NiFe 0.33 RuO x @P cathode delivers an exceptional current density of 1.7 A cm −2 at 2.0 V under 6 M KOH (≈ 30%) at 70°C, demonstrating outstanding industrial‐level performance. This catalyst requires an overpotential of only 72 mV to achieve 100 mA cm −2 for HER in 1 M KOH, lower than commercial Pt/C. Critically, it sustains stable operation for over 200 h in 6.0 M KOH at 500 mA cm −2 . Scalability is confirmed on a 25 cm 2 electrode, underscoring its practical potential. The exceptional stability and activity are rooted in a phosphorus‐tuned electronic structure that yields a near‐optimal hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔG H* tuned from +0.498 to −0.153 eV).

Fields of Study & Subjects

Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion Ammonia Synthesis and Nitrogen Reduction Hydrogen Storage and Materials

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Science
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
13
Issue
50
Pages
e76083–e76083
Publication date
12 June 2026
Language
EN